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Former Colorado Player Commits to New Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 3:56 PM ET

The Colorado Buffaloes had an extremely eventful offseason when it comes to the transfer portal, bringing in a total of 33 players, while seeing another 33 depart for new programs.

One player who hit the road was offensive guard Payton Kirkland, who 247Sports ranked as a three-star prospect, the No. 134 interior offensive lineman and the No. 1,585 player to hit the portal in this year's cycle.

It's not a huge loss for head coach Deion Sanders or Colorado, though, because in 2024, Kirkland's impact was nonexistent, recording zero snaps all season.

Kirkland Flips Commitment

He'd originally transferred to the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Dec. 22, 2024, but now, with less than a month before the season starts, has changed his mind. On Monday, On3's Pete Nakos reported the lineman had signed with the UAB Blazers.

BREAKING: Colorado transfer OT Payton Kirkland has signed at UAB, @PeteNakos_ reports

Kirkland was originally committed to Miami Ohio. https://t.co/a7ifv1FcJZ pic.twitter.com/lLmGJnruzG
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) August 11, 2025

He could be a big asset for the Blazers, who in the portal lost four-star IOL Delano Townsend (Ole Miss), three-star IOL Brady Wilson (Virginia), three-star IOL Zaire Flournoy (FIU) and three-star IOL Tae Woody (ULM).

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 350 pounds, Kirkland also has the ideal size for someone to be successful at the collegiate level.

Kirkland Started With Texas

Coming out of high school in the 2023 recruiting class, Kirkland was a very sought-after player, ranking as a four-star player, the No. 18 IOL and the No. 55 player in Florida, per 247Sports.

He would end up committing to the Texas Longhorns, but after redshirting his freshman season and receiving no playing time, he transferred to Colorado, where, as mentioned earlier didn't see any increase in opportunities.

Now with a new team, Kirkland is offered the opportunity to make a serious impact for the Blazers, who are looking to improve on their 3-9 record from 2024.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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